As expected, Ellicott Development Co. has formally asked the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency to revive a designated developer status for a key downtown Buffalo parcel where it hopes to construct a seven-story building.

Ellicott Development, in 2006, was named designated developer for the 50 Court Street parcel, located at the corner of Court and Pearl streets, with the intent of constructing an 11 story, 330,000-square-foot multi-tenant office building. The building’s plans were later amended to an eight-story, 241,000-square-foot plan.

But, those plans were put into economic development dry dock in 2008 as the economy softened.

Now, Ellicott Development wants regain its designated developer status for the parcel to construct a seven-story, 226,623-square-foot, multi-tenant building anchored by Class A office space and, perhaps, a hotel. Ellicott Development made its request to Scott Billman, BURA general counsel, in am Oct. 18 letter obtained by Business First.

However, at least one downtown businessman — Mark Croce, says it would be unfair for the city to automatically renew Ellicott Development’s designated developer status. Croce has recently restored the Statler Towers into the Statler City project. Part of Croce’s development pro forma includes seeking $5.3 million in aid from the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, a public-sector subsidy that Ellicott Development’s chairman Carl Paladino is questioning.

Croce, for his part, says his questioning of Ellicott Development’s request to the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency is not pay back or retribution for Paladino opposing the state subsidy being sought for the Statler.

“That stuff goes in one ear and out the other,” Croce said. “I’m advocating for a level playing field — Carl’s favorite expression.”

Croce contends Paladino has had nearly eight years to develop the 50 Court Street site. The property is being used as a surface parking lot. Paladino owns the adjoining parcel at 30 Court Street, which is also used as a parking lot.

Paladino has retained Kideney Architects to design the proposed building that would include a three-story tall natural stone facade along Court Street and a dark, polished granite finish facing Pearl and Franklin streets.

Paladino said a stronger economy has made the project viable.

Croce, however, thinks before the city agency renews Paladino’s designated developer status, it should put the parcel out to bid and see if other developers might be interested. BURA is expected to consider Paladino’s request sometime in November.

“BURA needs to do the right thing,” Croce said. “It is such a prime, valuable piece of real estate. The dynamics of downtown have changed since Carl was named designated developer. I think BURA needs to take a fresh look at it.”